Ashmore Reef 2017

Kimberley Birdwatching is running the successful annual pelagic trip from Broome to Ashmore Reef and return in November 2017 the trip will be led by Dr Rohan Clark and George Swann. The 2016 trip was hugely successful and this year we’ll be visiting Browse Island again on the return leg. Browse Island has recently become a very exciting focus of this trip with some extraordinary sightings. Last year’s trip had a pair of immature Chinese Sparrowhawks on the island, so it’s almost a case of throwing the dice in the air and guessing what’s it going to be next? Previous records include Arctic Warbler, Island Monarch, Blue and White, Asian Brown and Dark sided Flycatcher, Tiger Shrike, Black Bittern and Pechora Pipit.

The Ashmore trip is regularly consistent for many sought after pelagic species which of course is why it has such appeal to many birders. The very real chance to see such enigmatic species as Jouanin’s Petrel and Swinhoe’s Storm petrel. The trip has also performed remarkably well for Abbots Booby over the years, initially thought to be a vagrant to the area Abbott’s Booby is clearly a regular visitor. Ashmore Reef itself never fails to impress visiting birders and naturalists the islands supporting a vast selection of tropical seabirds including all three species of Noddy together, impressive flocks of shorebirds and huge potential for vagrants and less common irregular migrants. Ashmore also has great snorkelling so don’t forget your mask and fins.

Your Guide - George Swann

George was born in England and emigrated to Australia in 1984. He has lived in Broome since 1989 and established Kimberley Birdwatching in 1993.

Through many years of fieldwork, George has gained tremendous knowledge of the natural history of the Kimberley, including bird distribution and behaviour, with the emphasis on rare, endangered and poorly known species.

George is a professional bird guide, with a passionate interest in the natural history and ecology of the region. He is a resourceful bushman and an infectiously enthusiastic travelling companion.